The Morris Township Board of Supervisors met for their regular meeting at the Municipal Building. Present were Supervisors Sam Bartolotto, Dave Dietrich & Patrick Bracey, Zoning Officer Bob Sanders, Police Chief Will DeForte, Jim Watt, Todd Patress, Randy Hamilton, Tim Hamilton, Bruce Livingood, Michael & Billie Schwarz. The meeting was called to order at 7:00.
No Public Participation items.
Motion by Bartolotto to approve the minutes from the last meeting as written (with Pam checking on the name of one of the attendees that might be incorrect). Seconded by Dietrich. All agreed.
Police report was given by Chief DeForte.
Road Report Available for review.
Old business: Note the last two financial statements had the year 2023 on them. It should have been changed to 2024. Future statements will have correct dates.
New Business: Jim Watt (Captain and treasurer of the VFD) & Todd Patress (Vice President) spoke of the dramatic increase in the cost of everything since 2017, when the Township agreed to 6% of the Act 13 Funds for the Fire Department. He discussed the prices of equipment, training, etc… There was discussion of the new truck purchase and how the company has been trying to raise and save money just in case of a breakdown or equipment malfunction. The Morris Twp. VFD formally requested an increase of 4% in the Act 13 funds, bringing the percentage from 6 to 10. There was a lengthy discussion of the budget and how the money could be allocated without altering the current budget.
ARPA Funds need to be obligated by the end of 2024, but the report is due by April 30 so technically, the funds need to be obligated by the end of April so that the report can go in on time. The money was originally budgeted for garage doors and Act 537 Planning but since the planning is now covered by grants, we need to decide how to spend the remaining money. There was discussion on the different ways allowable to spend. Discussion on using part of this for the VFD this year then making it a budget item in the future as requested by the fire department. The new rules allow for any or all of it to be spent as revenue replacement due to Covid 19 losses.
Motion by Bartolotto to obligate the ARP money as follows:
- Approximately $39,000 to garage doors for the cinder shed.
- $23,000 to the VFD.
- The remainder to be used as revenue replacement in general government expenses.
Seconded by Bracey. All agreed.
Job Descriptions/Employee Handbook: Discussion and approval will be on hold until the handbook descriptions are completed.
Heavy Haul agreement with Consol for Elwood Day Road has been turned in, fees paid and review from Harshman complete. Will vote on approval at the next meeting.
Motion by Bartolotto to review and pay bills. Seconded by Dietrich. All agreed.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:05